The Florida Fire Sprinkler Association (FFSA) named Jennifer Pierce the 2019 Champion of the Industry – a fitting name for an employee of the Choice of Champions. This is the association’s highest award.
“Fire Marshal Pierce promotes fire safety in her community through fire department open houses and explaining how fire sprinkler work during Side by Side Fire Sprinkler Demonstrations,” said Lorrell Bush, executive director of the FFSA.
“Fire Marshal Pierce walked the halls of Tallahassee this legislative session to meet with state legislators on the importance of fire safety and protecting families and property. Recently, the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition recognized Fire Marshal Pierce on a national level for installing fire sprinklers in her own home. She not only educates others on fire sprinklers but personally believes in the cause and shows that in all she does. Fire Marshal Pierce is certainly a Champion.”
Pierce was honored on April 8 at Mission Inn Resort and Club in Howey-In-The-Hills during the 25th annual Buddy Dewar Golf & Skeet Tournament. Pierce was the unanimous choice for the award after the FFSA Board of Directors submitted five nominations.
“Jennifer is not only a powerhouse in the Fire Prevention Division, but she also makes herself available to other areas of our department when needed, such as writing grants, car seat installations, assisting with interviews and managing the Fire Cadet Program,” Clermont Fire Chief Carle Bishop said. “She is indispensable and is a tremendous asset to our team.”
Pierce has over 15 years in the fire service. She currently serves as the Education Chair for the Florida Fire Sprinkler Coalition, a joint effort of the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association, the Florida Fire Chiefs Association, and the Florida Professional Firefighters – all of which she is involved with. She also is active with numerous other professional organizations, including the International Association of Arson Investigators, the Florida Fire Sprinkler Association, the National Fire Sprinkler Association, and the International Association of Fire Marshals.
In addition to serving as fire marshal, Pierce oversees the daily operations of the Fire Prevention Division, which includes the review of plans for fire protection and life safety, fire inspections and investigations, and coordinating community relations and public fire and life safety education. She promotes and supports effective fire safety education, community risk reduction and is an advocate for fire sprinkler protection.
Pierce recently had her home retrofitted with fire sprinklers and was featured in a nationwide ad by the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition. Coming from a fire service family, Pierce and her husband, a fire lieutenant, wanted to reduce the risk and protect their home and children from the dangers of fire. Her advocacy with fire safety has allowed her opportunities to travel around the state and attend side-by-side fire sprinkler demonstrations for the sole purpose of educating citizens on life safety with in-home fire sprinklers.
Pierce’s dedication to the fire service does not go unnoticed; she provides great support to her peers and was instrumental in the Clermont Fire Department’s accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International’s Center for Public Safety Excellence.
The Clermont Fire Department became Lake County’s first department to earn the international accreditation in 2018. The coveted gold standard is only held by 179 civilian departments worldwide.
